NICARAGUA: Rebel-President

Six months ago General Anastasio Somoza was just another rebel; last week he was elected President of Nicaragua.

As head of the Nicaraguan National Guard, created and trained by U. S. Marines during the seven-year U. S. occupation, Rebel Somoza last June virtually seized control of Nicaragua (TIME, June 8 et seq.). He forced Liberal President Juan Bautista Sacasa to quit before his term had expired, made it necessary for Congress to appoint Dr. Carlos Brenes Jarquin Provisional President to fill the gap.

General Somoza, who will enter office on Jan. 1, obtained 99% of the votes cast. Ex-President Sacasa learned of the former rebel’s crashing triumph as he relaxed in Manhattan.